Family face jail time over alleged travel insurance fraud

A British family have been taken to court for allegedly collecting $87,000 in fake insurance claims on three separate Spanish holidays.

Partners Deborah Briton and Paul Roberts, along with daughter Charlene Briton are being accused by travel agency Thomas Cook of lying about getting food poisoning while on vacation in Majorca.

Paul Roberts and Deborah Briton are being sued for alleged fraud. Image: Facebook

Appearing at Liverpool magistrates’ court last week, the family pleaded not guilty to six counts of fraud. It is the first case of its kind amidst growing concerns of UK holiday makers scamming travel operators.

Briton's daughter Charlene also claims she and her daughter fell ill on holiday last year. Image: Facebook

According to The Mirror, travel agents in the UK have seen a 400% rise in insurance claims in the past year alone, with many cases of illness only requiring a pharmacy receipt as evidence.

Holiday-makers flock to Mediterranean island of Majorca. Image: Getty

With the rise of low cost airlines and agencies offering all-inclusive travel packages, Spain has become an increasingly popular holiday destination for Brits.

But according to travel industry body ABTA, the Spanish hotel industry is feeling the strain, suffering a loss of $80 million per year in payouts and legal fees due to insurance claims.

District judge Andrew ruled the allegations "sophisticated fraud with relatively high value of money claimed," adjourning the case until a pre-trial hearing on August 10.

With the average payout for sickness claims sitting at around $3,300, this is being heralded as a landmark case.

The defendants are currently out on bail, but if found guilty at next month's trial, could face between 18 months and six years in prison.